The Alaska SeaLife Center is hosting its eighth annual Miniature Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 5, with all proceeds benefitting the Center’s Wildlife Response Program.

The tournament began eight years ago and has become one of the most popular events hosted by the Center each year. The course layout changes each year, but the purpose behind the evening – to raise money to rehabilitate stranded marine animals – remains the same.

This year up to 24 teams of four, along with their caddies and guests, will play their way through a 12-hole course that stretches throughout the Center’s exhibits and behind-the-scenes areas. This is a fun event for experienced and beginning golfers alike. The playing field is leveled throughout the night by enterprising volunteer caddies who can be persuaded to “adjust” golfer’s scores in exchange for additional donations to the Center. At the end of the evening scores will be tallied and prizes awarded for several categories, including Best Golf Attire, Most Mulligans, Best Team Score, and Best-Dressed Caddy.

Team registration is $250 for four people and up to two non-playing guests may join each team for an additional $25 per person. Companies wishing to gain additional exposure may also sponsor a hole for an extra $250. Registration fees include beer, wine, soda and snacks served throughout the evening, making this an event only for those 21 or older. Registration forms may be found at www.alaskasealife.org.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska, responding to stranded wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, and walrus. The Center operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report stranded marine mammals or birds, and encourages people who have found a stranded or sick marine animal to avoid touching or approaching the animal; instead, those individuals should call 1-888-774-SEAL (7325).

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a private non-profit research institution and visitor attraction which generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The Alaska SeaLife Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.alaskasealife.org.